The Curse of Living
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R1 or R2, which Sunrise on the other hand, does.
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Unspecified location, Brittania Countryside
"The power of Kings, known as Geass, brings one solitude," murmured C.C. serenely,. A smirk graced her lips as she thought on the words while the wagon clattered away on the farmland roads, "Not quite accurate, is it?"
"Right, Lelouch?"
The wagon driver chuckled softly, "The price of being a martyr, to escape justice for the deaths of many to make ends meet? Things are never quite so simple; you taught me that much after all."
"So where to now?" C.C. asked quietly as she rolled over onto her stomach, eyes watching the distance ahead of them.
"Today or the centuries after?" Teased the former emperor, "I have enough money to settle things for the next decade or so. We'll be living rough, so maybe we'll find a nice secluded spot up in the mountains?"
"If I know you as well as I think I do, then you have someplace in mind?"
"That I do."
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Twenty Years Later, Tokyo
Two decades had changed the world since the power-hungry prince had taken the world in his quest for world domination. Peace had reigned for that duration, people were happy. Oh, there were always the criminals, the power-hungry, and the stupid. Such things were common and happened, it was the kind of thing that was inevitable, a side-effect in any time and place of the world, be it Britannia, the U.F.N., or Japan.
For one Nunnally Vi Britannia, she was content. She had blossomed into a woman, one of startling innocence and beauty. Always at her side was the dark knight, Zero, tending to her beck and call, her sword and shield in a literal manner of speaking. Today was the anniversary of the death of the ninety-ninth emperor, Lelouch Vi Britannia. Cited in history books as an insane prince who was exiled for crimes unknown, though the book does vaguely recalled the death of his mother and the later death of his father to make the dot connect to the readers at school. Despite the protests of his former friends and his governing sister, many countries had not forgotten the cruelty they had felt from Lelouch's ransom of the entire world with Damocles and it's store of F.L.E.I.A. warheads. That generation had largely put that behind themselves now, knowing that in their confidences that that man was dead, for good. History books hailed Zero, the Black Knights, and Schneizle as heroes for their actions against the power-hungry emperor, children, streets, and buildings were named after them. Suzaku, the Knight of Zero, was similarly warped by hungry journalists and book writers, citing his honorary britannian status, his mysterious rank of the Lancelot Projects, and his closeness to Lelouch as the man's best friend.
Even now, people spit on his grave, grumbling about the traitor who turned his back on Britannia to help his best friend in his bid for power. Even then, despite the protests of his friends, his name and honor was warped in the annals of history.
But this writing has gone off track, as today was considered a celebration for many. A reminder of days too terrible to hold for others. And a day of blood retribution and martyr-ism for a few. Those few morsels of humanity number in single digits. Two of them sat in silence as they listened to a speech from Kaname Ohgi, his stately dressed wife Viletta standing next to him.
Nunnally resisted the urge to yawn, with a embarrassed smile at Zero, who returned it within his helmet. Zero valued his privacy immensely, having caught dozens of cameras and reporters attempting to find his identity. Despite the attempts, his private moments outside of his suit, cloak, and helmet were brief. He looked at the crowd before them in the assembly. Tens of thousands had joined to listen and mingle, many of them small-time politicians and famous sorts. All came from around the world to attend the anniversary, all was well. A glint caught Zero's eye. A couple stood far away in the stands. they were too far to make out, but Zero's helmet had been modified to provide better protection and capabilities, including a mini-scope.
His right eye vision zoomed in, twice, four, eights, and ten times. Resolution was corrected as the dark knight stiffened, his breath caught in his throat.
Nunnally turned slightly, to question her Knight of his sudden discomfort.
Zero shook his head and patted her hand reassuringly, as Ohgi made a particularly well made end to his speech, enciting a roar of approval and applause from the many who had come to listen.
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Suzaku turned back to the stands far away, staring at the young man talking to a woman who appeared to be far older than he. They were both dressed in Britannian clothing, slightly out of date, but well off in terms of fashion. The tiger-like woman smiled, her face still smooth, but clearly recognizable. He turned slightly to eye the other man. Still in his teens, the man wore his hair in a long smooth fashion, his eyes of brilliant emerald, a face of handsome paleness, and an all too familiar smirk. The man held up his hands, moving them in a strange form of sign language.
They became recognizable immediately. Years back, when he was a boy, a child made an imaginary language of signs for fun and childlike secrecy.
He knew what they meant. Only two people knew how to work those signs, either correctly or perfectly by style or familiarity. One sat next to him, staring in polite puzzlement. The other he had killed twenty years ago.
The young took off his top hat and bowed briefly, a full fledged smile on his face as he turned his back on him, grasping the older woman's arm and gently helping her down the stairs.
Come tonight. The Gardens. Midnight.
For the first time in years, he felt a thrill of excitement. Nunnally must have felt his elation, as she took his by the hand, urging Zero to return and escort her to Ohgi in order to congratulate him. He nodded and made signs with his other hand.
We shall wait for you.
His charge raised an eyebrow in increased puzzlement, but deduced it in an instant. Her shock disolved into a cool mask developed by years of political practice. She replied in kind, adding a glare that could only affect two indivduals in this room, including him.
Nunnally smiled as she clasped Ohgi's grizzled hand, but it was not that the speech was over, but because someone had really made her day.
Not really how I wanted, but it'll do.
To those who have read my other Code Geass story, Duea Mentiss Singulus Somes, I apologize. the plot bunny didn't work out as episodes progressed, as it made the characters seem OOC. I tried to make fics that violated my rule of not doing so until the seasons are done; which gives me time to integrate everything properly. I will not be continuing that fic, and will post a chapter saying so. Reviews will be appreciated, though gushing sparkling posts are not the kind that motivate me very well. Constructive reivews and criticisms on the other hand are much more appreciated. Questions posted by the reviewers will be answered next chapter. Thank you.